At the CineGearExpo in Los Angeles, Sony has announced new enhancements for the VENICE camera system. See below for full press release:

Sony is announcing new updates and developments for its VENICE CineAlta motion picture camera system including version 2 firmware, which has been advanced and will now be available in the beginning of July 2018.

Sony is announcing the development of its new VENICE Extension System designed for expanded flexibility and enhanced ergonomics. Also being announced is Sony's plan for high frame rate support for the Venice system.

"Venice was born from the voice of cinematographers," said Peter Crithary, marketing manager for motion picture cameras, Sony Electronics. "Their voices continue to fuel the ongoing development of this powerful camera with the mission to make a real difference in their daily work. These new enhancements provide professionals more freedom to hone their craft, and also protects their investment."

VENICE Version 2 firmware

Version 2 adds new features and capabilities specifically requested by production professionals to deliver more recording capability, customizable looks, exposure tools and greater lens freedom. Highlights include:

Dual base ISO -- With 15+ stops of exposure latitude, VENICE will support high Base ISO of 2500 in addition to existing ISO of 500, taking full advantage of Sony's unique sensor for superb low light performance with exceptional dynamic range from +6 stops to -9 stops as measured at 18% middle gray. This increases exposure indexes at higher ISOs for night exteriors, dark interiors, working with slower lenses or where content needs to be graded in High Dynamic Range, while maintaining the maximum shadow details.

E-mount --users can remove the PL mount and use a wide assortment of native E-mount lenses.

VENICE Extension System

At Cine Gear 2018, Sony will demonstrate the VENICE Extension System, a Full-Frame tethered extension system that allows the camera body to detach from the actual image sensor block with no degradation in image quality up to 20 feet apart. These are the result of Sony's long-standing collaboration with James Cameron's Lightstorm Entertainment.

"This new tethering system is a perfect example of listening to our customers, gathering strong and consistent feedback, and then building that input into our product development," added Crithary. "The 'Avatar' sequels will be among the first feature films to use the new VENICE Extension System, but it also has tremendous potential for wider use with handheld stabilizers, drones, gimbals, and remote mounting in confined places."

High Frame Rate

Sony is also announcing the details of a planned optional upgrade to support high fame rate -- targeting speeds up to 60 fps in 6K, up to 90 fps in 4K, and up to 120 fps in 2K to be released in North America in the spring of 2019.

Visitors to the Canon booth will have the opportunity to experience the full range of Canon Cinema cameras and lenses, 4K reference displays, and DSLR cameras and lenses, including the recently announced EOS C700 FF Cinema Camera. Available in EF or PL mount, the EOS C700 FF features a 5.9K full-frame sensor with built-in anamorphic de-squeeze capabilities and RAW capture. The camera will be on display paired with the CN-E20mm T1.5 LF F lens, the latest addition to Canon's line of CN-E prime lenses. Canon's newest 4K HDR reference display, the 24-inch DP-V2421, will also be available for hands-on demonstrations, showcasing on-set HDR functionality.

Cine Gear attendees will be able to learn more about Canon's CarePAK PRO Extended Service Plan, which recently expanded to include professional video and cinema products. Canon CarePAK PRO offers coverage from accidental damage such as drops, spills and power surges, protecting customer investments from unforeseen repair costs and excessive downtime. Conditions and restrictions apply*.

In addition to showcasing products and professional service and support offerings, Canon will host a series of panel discussions and educational seminars. On Saturday, attendees** will have the opportunity to see the new EOS C700 FF in action with a screening of Dishful of Dollars, a short film directed by Nigel Dick and shot by Nancy Schreiber, ASC. The full panel schedule is as follows:

Friday, June 1

2:30-3:15 pm

Screening Room 5

Choosing Between Full Frame And Super 35mm: A Hands-On Image Characteristics Comparison for Cinematographers